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Live updates: Coronavirus cases surge in South Korea as first death reported, mayor tells residents to stay indoors Live updates: Coronavirus cases surge in South Korea as first death reported, mayor tells residents to stay indoors
(about 1 hour later)
Authorities worldwide warned about the spread of the coronavirus beyond China on Thursday as Japan reported the first two deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise liner, South Korea reported its first fatality and a major city there asked citizens to refrain from venturing outdoors.Authorities worldwide warned about the spread of the coronavirus beyond China on Thursday as Japan reported the first two deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise liner, South Korea reported its first fatality and a major city there asked citizens to refrain from venturing outdoors.
A Japanese man and woman, both said to be in their 80s, were among more than 600 passengers who contracted the disease while on board the Diamond Princess. They left the ship last week and had been hospitalized but died on Thursday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.A Japanese man and woman, both said to be in their 80s, were among more than 600 passengers who contracted the disease while on board the Diamond Princess. They left the ship last week and had been hospitalized but died on Thursday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.
In nearby South Korea, cases soared by nearly two-thirds, mostly in the southern part of the peninsula, national authorities said. The mayor of Daegu, the city where 10 South Koreans contracted the disease from a church service, asked residents to stay indoors. Iran also reported two infected that then died.In nearby South Korea, cases soared by nearly two-thirds, mostly in the southern part of the peninsula, national authorities said. The mayor of Daegu, the city where 10 South Koreans contracted the disease from a church service, asked residents to stay indoors. Iran also reported two infected that then died.
Many international experts say the disease will continue to spread globally even as the Chinese government seeks to present the image that it is coming to grips with the epidemic. New cases inside China dropped again Wednesday, officials reported Thursday, after national authorities changed for the second time in a week the criteria for how cases are diagnosed and counted. Here’s what we know so far:Many international experts say the disease will continue to spread globally even as the Chinese government seeks to present the image that it is coming to grips with the epidemic. New cases inside China dropped again Wednesday, officials reported Thursday, after national authorities changed for the second time in a week the criteria for how cases are diagnosed and counted. Here’s what we know so far:
● China tallied a total of 394 new infections and 136 deaths through the end of Wednesday, its lowest in weeks, after national authorities changed the criteria for classifying cases. There is now a cumulative total of 74,546 infections and 2,118 deaths, most in central Hubei province. ● China tallied a total of 394 new infections and 136 deaths through the end of Wednesday, its lowest in weeks, after national authorities changed the criteria for classifying cases. There is now a cumulative total of 74,546 infections and 2,118 deaths, most in central Hubei province. The wild swings in numbers have raised suspicions over counting methods.
● South Korea reported its first coronavirus death and the mayor of the South Korean city of Daegu urged its 2.5 million people on Thursday to stay indoors as cases of the new virus, known as covid-19, soared. ● South Korea reported its first coronavirus death and the mayor of the South Korean city of Daegu urged its 2.5 million people on Thursday to stay indoors as cases of the new virus, known as covid-19, soared. Cases in the country rose by two-thirds to 82.
● In Japan, two passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship died Thursday, the first fatalities from the virus-stricken liner. A day earlier, an infectious disease specialist slammed officials for failing to observe proper quarantine practices on the vessel.● In Japan, two passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship died Thursday, the first fatalities from the virus-stricken liner. A day earlier, an infectious disease specialist slammed officials for failing to observe proper quarantine practices on the vessel.
● The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea increased substantially Thursday, rising by 32, or nearly two-thirds, to 82. Korea’s Centers for Disease Control said all of the cases except one in Seoul emerged in or around Daegu city.
● Iran reported three new cases Thursday just a day after two people died from the virus in the holy city of Qom, raising fears of many new cases appearing in the Middle East.● Iran reported three new cases Thursday just a day after two people died from the virus in the holy city of Qom, raising fears of many new cases appearing in the Middle East.
Authorities in Hubei province reported good news Thursday: there were only 349 new coronavirus cases the previous day — the lowest tally in weeks.
The bad — and puzzling — news? Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, reported 615 new cases all by itself.
As Chinese leaders and state media strike a coordinated note this week about the government’s ability to contain the outbreak, inconsistencies and sudden changes in official data are leaving international experts struggling to plot meaningful trends — or even place any confidence in the figures coming from government.
Hubei authorities have changed their criteria for counting cases twice in the past week. An earlier change that was applauded by international researchers led to a sudden spike in case numbers on Feb. 12. And the latest shift — the sixth time that national guidelines have been edited since Jan. 15 — caused an overnight drop in new cases from 1,693 to 349.
Jonathan Read, an epidemiologist at the University of Lancaster, said case definitions sometimes do need to be edited as authorities come to grips with how a novel pathogen manifests itself.
“That said, it is very unhelpful for surveillance purposes to change how you define a case too often,” he said.
The latest inconsistency — how one city appeared to have more cases than the total in the province — apparently arose because Hubei province deducted cases that have not been confirmed through genetic tests from a total reported case number, which includes all diagnoses made by physicians using other methods.
At best, the constant changes have frustrated scholars. At worst, it’s raised suspicions.
“Sloppiness of cheating the case # is getting to level of ridiculous,” Eric Feigl-Ding, a visiting scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said on Twitter.
To be sure, there is no smoking gun suggesting Chinese officials fabricate numbers out of whole cloth — at least not since late January. But researchers widely say that the official figures likely underestimate the true infection numbers because of limited testing capacity in China and the prevalence of cases with mild or no symptoms. That is why at least having case numbers collected with consistent methodology would help scholars chart the general contours, if not the precise values, of how the epidemic is unfolding.
When cases spiked on Feb. 12, coinciding with the Communist Party naming several new officials to oversee Hubei and Wuhan, Chinese political observers predicted that the move allowed the new regime to wipe the slate clean and be able to show progress as the numbers steadily decreased from there. That prediction has largely borne out.
Meanwhile, the newly installed officials in the region have said they need accurate statistics. The party boss of Wuhan, Wang Zhonglin, has ordered a citywide sweep to find all remaining cases of coronavirus infections so that the city would have “baseline” statistics to work with.
“If we can’t see the baseline, our resistance campaign isn’t reliable,” he said. At the same time, he issued a warning for local party cadres: if one more case were to be found in a household, he said, that district’s party secretary would be held accountable.
MANILA — After two weeks on board the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship, around 500 Filipinos are set to return to the Philippines on Sunday.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Thursday that all repatriates will undergo a 14-day quarantine in a facility that housed athletes during the Southeast Asian Games.
Over 40 Filipinos have been infected with the novel coronavirus, all receiving treatment in hospitals in Japan, where the ship is docked. The first case has since tested negative for the virus and been released.
Only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to board the two flights, set to land in Clark Airport north of Manila.
There were a total of 538 Filipinos on board the Diamond Princess, mostly crew members and seven passengers.
Authorities in Iran confirmed three new cases of the coronavirus Thursday as they shuttered schools and evacuated hospitals, just one day after two Iranians infected by the virus died in the city of Qom.Authorities in Iran confirmed three new cases of the coronavirus Thursday as they shuttered schools and evacuated hospitals, just one day after two Iranians infected by the virus died in the city of Qom.
All of the patients who tested positive for the virus, known as covid-19, were from Qom, a holy city and pilgrimage site for Shiite Muslims. One of the patients is a doctor currently under quarantine in the nearby city of Arak, according to a health ministry spokesman.All of the patients who tested positive for the virus, known as covid-19, were from Qom, a holy city and pilgrimage site for Shiite Muslims. One of the patients is a doctor currently under quarantine in the nearby city of Arak, according to a health ministry spokesman.
Seven more patients with viral-like symptoms were being monitored at hospitals in the capital, Tehran, and in the northern city of Babol.Seven more patients with viral-like symptoms were being monitored at hospitals in the capital, Tehran, and in the northern city of Babol.
Authorities said they did not know how the patients — two of whom died late Wednesday — contracted the virus, which originated in China in December.Authorities said they did not know how the patients — two of whom died late Wednesday — contracted the virus, which originated in China in December.
“The victims in Qom did not travel abroad and were not in touch with foreigners or any Chinese people,” Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, director-general of the department of infectious disease management at the Ministry of Health, told the state-run news agency, IRNA.“The victims in Qom did not travel abroad and were not in touch with foreigners or any Chinese people,” Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, director-general of the department of infectious disease management at the Ministry of Health, told the state-run news agency, IRNA.
Another health official, Massoud Mardani, said that the family members of the two deceased patients, both of whom were elderly, were placed under quarantine. One of the victims was a 65-year-old war veteran who suffered from the lingering effects of exposure to chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War, the Mehr news agency quoted Iran’s health minister as saying.Another health official, Massoud Mardani, said that the family members of the two deceased patients, both of whom were elderly, were placed under quarantine. One of the victims was a 65-year-old war veteran who suffered from the lingering effects of exposure to chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War, the Mehr news agency quoted Iran’s health minister as saying.
“It is likely that many more people among the relatives and friends of the two deceased victims in Qom are infected,” said Mardani, a member of the health ministry’s infectious diseases committee, the ISNA news agency reported.“It is likely that many more people among the relatives and friends of the two deceased victims in Qom are infected,” said Mardani, a member of the health ministry’s infectious diseases committee, the ISNA news agency reported.
In Qom, authorities closed schools and universities and cleared two hospitals in order to receive patients suspected of having contracted the virus. In Tehran, ten hospitals were designated to receive suspected cases, state media reported.In Qom, authorities closed schools and universities and cleared two hospitals in order to receive patients suspected of having contracted the virus. In Tehran, ten hospitals were designated to receive suspected cases, state media reported.
BEIJING — The coronavirus may never disappear fully, and instead come around seasonally like the flu, a Chinese expert said Thursday.BEIJING — The coronavirus may never disappear fully, and instead come around seasonally like the flu, a Chinese expert said Thursday.
Wang Chen, the vice director of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said in a popular state television talk show “News 1+1” that unlike its viral sibling, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus that spread for several months before fading away in 2003, the novel species may not simply never go away.Wang Chen, the vice director of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said in a popular state television talk show “News 1+1” that unlike its viral sibling, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus that spread for several months before fading away in 2003, the novel species may not simply never go away.
“It could become chronic and co-exist with humans like the flu,” Wang said. “We have to make good preparations for this.”“It could become chronic and co-exist with humans like the flu,” Wang said. “We have to make good preparations for this.”
Wang said the new coronavirus, technically known as SARS-CoV-2, but named covid-19 by the World Health Organization, appears less lethal to humans than its predecessor.Wang said the new coronavirus, technically known as SARS-CoV-2, but named covid-19 by the World Health Organization, appears less lethal to humans than its predecessor.
The original SARS “kills its host, and then it’s eliminated itself,” said Wang, as he called for more resources to be spent on researching the pathogen.The original SARS “kills its host, and then it’s eliminated itself,” said Wang, as he called for more resources to be spent on researching the pathogen.
Researchers worldwide are racing to study the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and develop a vaccine after Chinese scientists shared its genome in a database earlier this month. An approved vaccine remains far off.Researchers worldwide are racing to study the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and develop a vaccine after Chinese scientists shared its genome in a database earlier this month. An approved vaccine remains far off.
Two firms, Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen pharmaceutical unit and Sanofi Pasteur said this week they are partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to work on a vaccine.Two firms, Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen pharmaceutical unit and Sanofi Pasteur said this week they are partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to work on a vaccine.
SEOUL — South Korea reported its first death from the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday.SEOUL — South Korea reported its first death from the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday.
Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said in a statement that the dead patient who tested positive for the virus was linked to a preexisting cluster centered on a hospital in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, where 15 patients are believed to have contracted the virus.Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said in a statement that the dead patient who tested positive for the virus was linked to a preexisting cluster centered on a hospital in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, where 15 patients are believed to have contracted the virus.
He was in his early 60s and died at the hospital on Wendesday. He tested positive for the virus posthumously on Thursday, according to the KCDC.He was in his early 60s and died at the hospital on Wendesday. He tested positive for the virus posthumously on Thursday, according to the KCDC.
The KCDC said the cause of his death is identified as pneumonia, at the moment, but the exact cause is under investigation.The KCDC said the cause of his death is identified as pneumonia, at the moment, but the exact cause is under investigation.
South Korea’s national tally of coronavirus infections more than doubled to 104 on Thursday from 51 the previous day.South Korea’s national tally of coronavirus infections more than doubled to 104 on Thursday from 51 the previous day.
MANILA — Airlines in the Philippines will offer tickets on sale in a bid to make up for lost revenue caused by the coronavirus outbreak.MANILA — Airlines in the Philippines will offer tickets on sale in a bid to make up for lost revenue caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
One major airline, Cebu Pacific Air, posted on Thursday lower prices for flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taipei, where a travel ban was recently eased.One major airline, Cebu Pacific Air, posted on Thursday lower prices for flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taipei, where a travel ban was recently eased.
International travel dropped by around 16 percent from the same period last year, according to airport authorities. There was also a 3 percent drop in domestic travel.International travel dropped by around 16 percent from the same period last year, according to airport authorities. There was also a 3 percent drop in domestic travel.
The Department of Tourism said lower prices for domestic destinations will be available soon — and Air Asia and Philippine Airlines would follow suit.The Department of Tourism said lower prices for domestic destinations will be available soon — and Air Asia and Philippine Airlines would follow suit.
It added the sale is the first leg of a recovery campaign targeted toward domestic travelers. Upcoming plans will cover lower rates with partner hotels, tour operators and malls.It added the sale is the first leg of a recovery campaign targeted toward domestic travelers. Upcoming plans will cover lower rates with partner hotels, tour operators and malls.
The department is also mounting a month-long, nationwide sale in March with over a dozen partner malls and associations. Officials clarified that this effort was already planned ahead of the outbreak.The department is also mounting a month-long, nationwide sale in March with over a dozen partner malls and associations. Officials clarified that this effort was already planned ahead of the outbreak.
Tourism officials initially estimated around $790 million in losses between February and April.Tourism officials initially estimated around $790 million in losses between February and April.
The global epidemic has taken a hit on Southeast Asian countries that rely heavily on tourism. In the Philippines, an archipelago known for its beaches, the sector accounted for over 12 percent of the economy in 2018.The global epidemic has taken a hit on Southeast Asian countries that rely heavily on tourism. In the Philippines, an archipelago known for its beaches, the sector accounted for over 12 percent of the economy in 2018.
BEIJING — To minimize the economic impact, Chinese officials have been trying to kick-start businesses after weeks of near-total paralysis. But it’s not easy.BEIJING — To minimize the economic impact, Chinese officials have been trying to kick-start businesses after weeks of near-total paralysis. But it’s not easy.
Chinese businesses have been slowly getting back to work in the past 10 days, and local governments have rolled out favorable policies to facilitate the process. Some manufacturers have offered cash rewards to workers that agree to come back and man production lines.Chinese businesses have been slowly getting back to work in the past 10 days, and local governments have rolled out favorable policies to facilitate the process. Some manufacturers have offered cash rewards to workers that agree to come back and man production lines.
But stories are cropping up around the country of companies resuming work, only to send employees home or to quarantine after infections are discovered.But stories are cropping up around the country of companies resuming work, only to send employees home or to quarantine after infections are discovered.
A company with more than 400 employees in the southwest metropolis of Chongqing was forced to halt production this week after the discovery of cluster of coronavirus cases. At least three employees have been confirmed to have been infected and more than 100 have been quarantined at Chongqing Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., Caixin reported.A company with more than 400 employees in the southwest metropolis of Chongqing was forced to halt production this week after the discovery of cluster of coronavirus cases. At least three employees have been confirmed to have been infected and more than 100 have been quarantined at Chongqing Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., Caixin reported.
In eastern China, four companies reported new clusters of infection this week, according to Hangzhou Daily. More than 200 employees resumed work but were quickly quarantined after one employee became unwell in a Suzhou company, the paper said.In eastern China, four companies reported new clusters of infection this week, according to Hangzhou Daily. More than 200 employees resumed work but were quickly quarantined after one employee became unwell in a Suzhou company, the paper said.
On Wednesday, the Chinese e-commerce company Dangdang reported a case within its ranks and promptly sent all its workers home again.On Wednesday, the Chinese e-commerce company Dangdang reported a case within its ranks and promptly sent all its workers home again.
The epidemic has already deeply affected countless businesses. Chinese Internet has been awash with reports of businesses cutting wages or laying off staff. A survey by Tsinghua University and Peking University showed that 85 percent of businesses did not have cash to survive longer than three months under current conditions, and many were already cutting positions, according to the Chinese tech news blog 36KR.The epidemic has already deeply affected countless businesses. Chinese Internet has been awash with reports of businesses cutting wages or laying off staff. A survey by Tsinghua University and Peking University showed that 85 percent of businesses did not have cash to survive longer than three months under current conditions, and many were already cutting positions, according to the Chinese tech news blog 36KR.
TOKYO — Japan’s government said two more government officials working on board the Diamond Princess had fallen sick with the new coronavirus, bringing to six the number of support staff who have contracted covid-19 and reinforcing concerns about inadequate infection controls on board the cruise ship.TOKYO — Japan’s government said two more government officials working on board the Diamond Princess had fallen sick with the new coronavirus, bringing to six the number of support staff who have contracted covid-19 and reinforcing concerns about inadequate infection controls on board the cruise ship.
The latest cases were a Health Ministry official in his 40s, and an official from the cabinet office in his 30s, both of whom fell sick with fevers on Feb. 18, between six and seven days after starting work on board the boat.The latest cases were a Health Ministry official in his 40s, and an official from the cabinet office in his 30s, both of whom fell sick with fevers on Feb. 18, between six and seven days after starting work on board the boat.
Earlier the government reported that a quarantine officer, a Health Ministry official, an ambulance driver and a medical staffer had all fallen sick after entering the boat or dealing with infected passengers or crew.Earlier the government reported that a quarantine officer, a Health Ministry official, an ambulance driver and a medical staffer had all fallen sick after entering the boat or dealing with infected passengers or crew.
A leading infectious disease expert published a damning video this week after visiting the ship, complaining of chaotic and scary conditions on board, and a “completely inadequate” system to control the spread of the virus.A leading infectious disease expert published a damning video this week after visiting the ship, complaining of chaotic and scary conditions on board, and a “completely inadequate” system to control the spread of the virus.
The video received well over a million views, and became a major embarrassment for the government. On Thursday, Kentaro Iwata of Kobe University removed his video from YouTube, saying it had served its purpose, that procedures had since been improved and leaving it up any longer would be “divisive.”The video received well over a million views, and became a major embarrassment for the government. On Thursday, Kentaro Iwata of Kobe University removed his video from YouTube, saying it had served its purpose, that procedures had since been improved and leaving it up any longer would be “divisive.”
The government vigorously pushed back against the criticism, with the Health Ministry insisting infection control experts had been involved in establishing proper infection control measures on board the ship, including proper zoning between areas where protective suits are needed and areas free of the virus. It denies forcing Iwata to remove his video.The government vigorously pushed back against the criticism, with the Health Ministry insisting infection control experts had been involved in establishing proper infection control measures on board the ship, including proper zoning between areas where protective suits are needed and areas free of the virus. It denies forcing Iwata to remove his video.
But the latest test results showing two more officials fell sick will reinforce the impression that Iwata’s criticisms were valid, and may raise the question of whether people who worked on board the ship should themselves be placed in quarantine.But the latest test results showing two more officials fell sick will reinforce the impression that Iwata’s criticisms were valid, and may raise the question of whether people who worked on board the ship should themselves be placed in quarantine.
The Health Ministry said both officials diagnosed with the virus wore gloves and masks while carrying out their duties.The Health Ministry said both officials diagnosed with the virus wore gloves and masks while carrying out their duties.
At least 65 crew members are among the 621 people who have contracted the virus on board the ship. The Japanese government says its data analysis shows that most of the passengers who contracted the virus did so before the quarantine was imposed on Feb. 5, apart from people who shared cabins with infected people.At least 65 crew members are among the 621 people who have contracted the virus on board the ship. The Japanese government says its data analysis shows that most of the passengers who contracted the virus did so before the quarantine was imposed on Feb. 5, apart from people who shared cabins with infected people.
That shows, it said, that the quarantine was effective.That shows, it said, that the quarantine was effective.
But it acknowledged that crew members apparently continued to pass the virus to each other during the quarantine period, noting that it was not possible to isolate them from each other as they needed to keep working to maintain the ship’s operations.But it acknowledged that crew members apparently continued to pass the virus to each other during the quarantine period, noting that it was not possible to isolate them from each other as they needed to keep working to maintain the ship’s operations.
The crew will have to undergo a further quarantine period.The crew will have to undergo a further quarantine period.
On Thursday, Japan continued to allow passengers to disembark from the ship and rejoin the general population provided they have tested negative for the virus.On Thursday, Japan continued to allow passengers to disembark from the ship and rejoin the general population provided they have tested negative for the virus.
The United States and other nations take a different view about the effectiveness of the quarantine, insisting that their citizens from the ship undergo a further 14-day quarantine period in their home countries.The United States and other nations take a different view about the effectiveness of the quarantine, insisting that their citizens from the ship undergo a further 14-day quarantine period in their home countries.
On Thursday, Japan said two passengers from the cruise ship had died, a man and a woman both in their 80s who had contracted the virus on board the vessel.On Thursday, Japan said two passengers from the cruise ship had died, a man and a woman both in their 80s who had contracted the virus on board the vessel.
Read more about criticism of conditions on board the ship here: Japan’s coronavirus response on cruise ship ‘completely inadequate,’ says health expertRead more about criticism of conditions on board the ship here: Japan’s coronavirus response on cruise ship ‘completely inadequate,’ says health expert
A major Korean electronics company has instructed hundreds of employees to stay home out of concerns regarding coronavirus, a spokesperson for SK Hynix said.A major Korean electronics company has instructed hundreds of employees to stay home out of concerns regarding coronavirus, a spokesperson for SK Hynix said.
The order was put in place following an orientation session for new employees on Wednesday, during which one person reported feeling ill and another confirmed they had been in contact with a coronavirus patient. Neither individual has tested positive for the virus so far.The order was put in place following an orientation session for new employees on Wednesday, during which one person reported feeling ill and another confirmed they had been in contact with a coronavirus patient. Neither individual has tested positive for the virus so far.
The company, which is the world’s second-largest maker of memory chips, employs 27,000 people across three locations in South Korea. The quarantine applies to just one building at its headquarters in Incheon, the country’s third-largest city.The company, which is the world’s second-largest maker of memory chips, employs 27,000 people across three locations in South Korea. The quarantine applies to just one building at its headquarters in Incheon, the country’s third-largest city.
Yet SK Hynix is nonetheless taking precautions with all of those who may have come in contact with the two possible patients, said the spokeswoman, Hyun Kyung Olivia Lee, whether in the training building or on shuttle buses that take workers to the Incheon campus.Yet SK Hynix is nonetheless taking precautions with all of those who may have come in contact with the two possible patients, said the spokeswoman, Hyun Kyung Olivia Lee, whether in the training building or on shuttle buses that take workers to the Incheon campus.
The order was in effect on Thursday, and SK Hynix is awaiting the two individuals’ test results before determining whether to extend the quarantine.The order was in effect on Thursday, and SK Hynix is awaiting the two individuals’ test results before determining whether to extend the quarantine.
Elsewhere in South Korea, a home shopping TV network had reportedly closed earlier this month after one of its employees was confirmed to have contracted covid-19.Elsewhere in South Korea, a home shopping TV network had reportedly closed earlier this month after one of its employees was confirmed to have contracted covid-19.
BEIJING — One of the world’s most notorious fugitive financiers may have gotten out of the frying pan and into the hot zone: Wuhan.BEIJING — One of the world’s most notorious fugitive financiers may have gotten out of the frying pan and into the hot zone: Wuhan.
Malaysian officials said Wednesday they have intelligence showing that Jho Low, the businessman wanted by several governments and accused of siphoning more than $4 billion from a public Malaysian fund, had been hiding in the Chinese city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak.Malaysian officials said Wednesday they have intelligence showing that Jho Low, the businessman wanted by several governments and accused of siphoning more than $4 billion from a public Malaysian fund, had been hiding in the Chinese city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Previously, he [Low] was confirmed to have been hiding in Wuhan, based on international investigations,” Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador told reporters, according to the New Straits Times. “There has been no new information on whether he has fled the city following the covid-19 outbreak.”“Previously, he [Low] was confirmed to have been hiding in Wuhan, based on international investigations,” Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador told reporters, according to the New Straits Times. “There has been no new information on whether he has fled the city following the covid-19 outbreak.”
Low was widely rumored to be hiding in either China or Cyprus the last four years since the unraveling of an extraordinary scheme involving the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. In one of the biggest heists in history, Low allegedly spent billions from the fund on art and jewelry purchases, real estate investments, a super yacht — and the production of the Martin Scorsese film “Wolf of Wall Street.” Aside from Malaysia, Low is also wanted by the United States and Singapore.Low was widely rumored to be hiding in either China or Cyprus the last four years since the unraveling of an extraordinary scheme involving the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. In one of the biggest heists in history, Low allegedly spent billions from the fund on art and jewelry purchases, real estate investments, a super yacht — and the production of the Martin Scorsese film “Wolf of Wall Street.” Aside from Malaysia, Low is also wanted by the United States and Singapore.
It’s unclear why Low has enjoyed Chinese state protection, but Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in November that Malaysia did not have enough leverage to pressure Beijing to hand over the fugitive because “we are not a very strong nation.”It’s unclear why Low has enjoyed Chinese state protection, but Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in November that Malaysia did not have enough leverage to pressure Beijing to hand over the fugitive because “we are not a very strong nation.”
Inspector general Abdul Hamid joked Wednesday that Low should voluntarily come home if he contracted the coronavirus.Inspector general Abdul Hamid joked Wednesday that Low should voluntarily come home if he contracted the coronavirus.
The Malaysian Health Ministry is “among the best,” he quipped. “They cured nine people already.”The Malaysian Health Ministry is “among the best,” he quipped. “They cured nine people already.”
Thailand called on Israel to reconsider its travel ban on the country in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to local reports.Thailand called on Israel to reconsider its travel ban on the country in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to local reports.
Thousands of Thai nationals work as laborers in Israel’s agricultural sector under a pact between the two countries, providing a vital source of remittance income, but the Israel restrictions have officials in Bangkok worried.Thousands of Thai nationals work as laborers in Israel’s agricultural sector under a pact between the two countries, providing a vital source of remittance income, but the Israel restrictions have officials in Bangkok worried.
Israel has implemented restrictions on entry for noncitizens who have been in China in the past 14 days, but this week extended that to also cover those coming from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macao.Israel has implemented restrictions on entry for noncitizens who have been in China in the past 14 days, but this week extended that to also cover those coming from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macao.
The Bangkok Post on Thursday quoted Foreign Affairs Ministry deputy spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun as saying the Thai ambassador in Israel explained Thailand’s efforts to control the spread of the virus to their counterparts.The Bangkok Post on Thursday quoted Foreign Affairs Ministry deputy spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun as saying the Thai ambassador in Israel explained Thailand’s efforts to control the spread of the virus to their counterparts.
“Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs listened and understood,” said Natapanu. “It will contact other agencies, particularly Israel’s Ministry of Public Health.”“Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs listened and understood,” said Natapanu. “It will contact other agencies, particularly Israel’s Ministry of Public Health.”
In an earlier statement, the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv stressed that the country had no reported deaths and was contributing to research on treating the virus.In an earlier statement, the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv stressed that the country had no reported deaths and was contributing to research on treating the virus.
Thailand has 35 recorded cases of the coronavirus.Thailand has 35 recorded cases of the coronavirus.
SEOUL — After a sudden jump in coronavirus cases, the mayor of South Korea’s fourth largest city, Daegu, urged all its 2.5 million residents on Thursday to stay indoors.SEOUL — After a sudden jump in coronavirus cases, the mayor of South Korea’s fourth largest city, Daegu, urged all its 2.5 million residents on Thursday to stay indoors.
“Dear citizens, from today, please refrain from going out,” Kwon Young-jin said after 30 new cases of the virus were reported in the city and surrounding North Gyeongsang Province on Thursday.“Dear citizens, from today, please refrain from going out,” Kwon Young-jin said after 30 new cases of the virus were reported in the city and surrounding North Gyeongsang Province on Thursday.
Daegu has temporarily shut nurseries in the city. Schools could also have their winter holiday extended to prevent the spread of the virus, according to the city’s education authorities.Daegu has temporarily shut nurseries in the city. Schools could also have their winter holiday extended to prevent the spread of the virus, according to the city’s education authorities.
Posts on social media reported that malls and restaurants in downtown Daegu were nearly empty following the spike in virus cases.Posts on social media reported that malls and restaurants in downtown Daegu were nearly empty following the spike in virus cases.
Some 23 out of the 30 cases were linked to a Daegu church that a 61-year-old patient had attended, according to Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The church has been shut down and the churchgoers are being tested for the virus, according to Kwon.Some 23 out of the 30 cases were linked to a Daegu church that a 61-year-old patient had attended, according to Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The church has been shut down and the churchgoers are being tested for the virus, according to Kwon.
South Korea has now confirmed 82 cases of covid-19.South Korea has now confirmed 82 cases of covid-19.
A chartered flight carrying more than 150 Australian citizens and permanent residents from Japan landed home on Thursday morning, local media reported.A chartered flight carrying more than 150 Australian citizens and permanent residents from Japan landed home on Thursday morning, local media reported.
Passengers on the Qantas repatriation flight had been quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Yokohama, Japan, which had been put on lockdown for two weeks amid hundreds of new cases.Passengers on the Qantas repatriation flight had been quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Yokohama, Japan, which had been put on lockdown for two weeks amid hundreds of new cases.
The evacuees, including many elderly people, were required to pass a health check to disembark the vessel and go through several additional screenings before boarding the Boeing 747 at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.The evacuees, including many elderly people, were required to pass a health check to disembark the vessel and go through several additional screenings before boarding the Boeing 747 at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
On the plane, passengers had no in-person contact with Qantas crew members, and food was waiting for them at their seats as they boarded, according to news.com.au. Upon landing in Australia, they were screened for the virus several times and will now spend two weeks at a quarantine facility near Darwin, on the country’s northern coast.On the plane, passengers had no in-person contact with Qantas crew members, and food was waiting for them at their seats as they boarded, according to news.com.au. Upon landing in Australia, they were screened for the virus several times and will now spend two weeks at a quarantine facility near Darwin, on the country’s northern coast.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the evacuees will be quarantined at a separate part of the facility from more than 250 evacuees who had been brought home from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the virus, and who are expected to be released on Sunday.Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the evacuees will be quarantined at a separate part of the facility from more than 250 evacuees who had been brought home from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the virus, and who are expected to be released on Sunday.
About 10 of the Australians set to leave the ship and join the repatriation flight were ordered at the last minute to stay behind after being told they had tested positive for coronavirus, the Australian reported.About 10 of the Australians set to leave the ship and join the repatriation flight were ordered at the last minute to stay behind after being told they had tested positive for coronavirus, the Australian reported.
Another 15 potential passengers decided against joining, largely to stay with family members who are receiving medical treatment in Japan, Morrison said. They will not be allowed to return home for another two weeks. About 220 Australians were initially aboard the Diamond Princess.Another 15 potential passengers decided against joining, largely to stay with family members who are receiving medical treatment in Japan, Morrison said. They will not be allowed to return home for another two weeks. About 220 Australians were initially aboard the Diamond Princess.
Separately on Thursday, Australia’s government extended a ban on arrivals from mainland China for another week, until Feb. 29.Separately on Thursday, Australia’s government extended a ban on arrivals from mainland China for another week, until Feb. 29.
HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government on Thursday said it would further extend work-from-home arrangements for civil servants until March 1, and would continue providing only limited public services to control the spread of the coronavirus infection.HONG KONG — The Hong Kong government on Thursday said it would further extend work-from-home arrangements for civil servants until March 1, and would continue providing only limited public services to control the spread of the coronavirus infection.
The city has recorded 65 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, but there are fears this number will continue to increase. More than 100 Hong Kong passengers aboard the Diamond Princess, a coronavirus-hit ship that has been moored near Tokyo under quarantine, returned home on Thursday. They will have to spend 14 days in a quarantine center.The city has recorded 65 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, but there are fears this number will continue to increase. More than 100 Hong Kong passengers aboard the Diamond Princess, a coronavirus-hit ship that has been moored near Tokyo under quarantine, returned home on Thursday. They will have to spend 14 days in a quarantine center.
The government said work-from-home arrangements could be further extended beyond March 1 depending on the spread of the epidemic. Schools have been closed since the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, and will continue to be shuttered until mid-March.The government said work-from-home arrangements could be further extended beyond March 1 depending on the spread of the epidemic. Schools have been closed since the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, and will continue to be shuttered until mid-March.
The city has recorded two deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.The city has recorded two deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.